An ideal getaway from the stresses of life for a weekend – or sometimes longer – is a stay at a cozy bed and breakfast. With a home-like, intimate atmosphere, a bed and breakfast inn is the perfect alternative to a hotel chain for a little rest and relaxation.

Bed and breakfasts have been part of American culture for more than 200 years – and it is easy to see why. With their warm and inviting atmosphere, personalized service and unique amenities, bed and breakfasts often offer things larger hotels cannot. “Innkeepers are fully vested in the business, care about each guest and make it a priority to provide outstanding, personalized service,” says Allison DeCongelio, marketing and public relations coordinator for BnBFinder.com.

There are a few misconceptions that people often have about B&Bs, though. While they are often an economical alternative to other accommodations, that does not mean B&Bs are cheap. Many offer upscale amenities such as luxury linens, gourmet breakfast in bed and spa services.

Many innkeepers have updated older homes by soundproofing and remodeling to ensure their guests have the most personalized, relaxing stay possible. This includes private baths and even in-room Jacuzzis.

Bed and breakfasts are usually located “off the beaten path,” offering unique opportunities to get out and explore lesser known, but always interesting, locations. Many provide activities or have deals with local vendors to offer guests discounted rates.

“The most attractive thing about B&Bs is that they are all different,” DeCongelio says. “Some are romantic getaways while others offer many family-friendly activities. From working farms and historic buildings to modern and trendy urban inns, there’s something special and unique about each one.”

DeCongelio also points out that each and every room at a B&B is completely different from the rest. “You can stay in a private and intimate country cottage or a suite in a grand Victorian house with a claw foot bathtub and crystal chandelier,” she says. “There’s really something for everyone. And of course, let’s not forget about the breakfast!”

So, grab a friend, sweetheart, your mother, whoever – and enjoy a relaxing getaway.


OHIO
Garden Gate Get-A-Way B&B
6041 Township Road 310
Millersburg, OH 44654
330-674-7608
www.garden-gate.com
188 miles from Columbus
Rates: $105-$175 per night (includes deluxe continental breakfast and evening snack)
Accommodations: Jacuzzi suite, deluxe room, traditional rooms
“When we bought the inn five years ago, we added more perennial gardens, so we now have three seasons of color,” says innkeeper Carol Steffey. “We also have evening campfires for our guests.”

Donna’s Premier Lodging
5523 East St.
Berlin, OH 44610
800-320-3338, 330-893-3068
www.donnasofberlin.com
116 miles from Columbus
Rates: $99-$369 per night (includes continental breakfast featuring locally-made Amish baked goods)
Accommodations: Honeymoon/anniversary cottages, bridal suites, villas, log cabins
“Before our guests arrive, we put out a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage, fresh fruit and cookies to welcome them,” says innkeeper Donna Marie Schlabach. “Some of our units have billiards tables and different styles of Jacuzzis. All of our units have their own outdoor sitting area with a grill.”

The Inn at Cedar Falls
21190 State Route 374
Logan, OH 43138
800-653-2557, 740-385-7489
www.innatcedarfalls.com
58 miles from Columbus
Rates: $109-$269 per night (includes a full breakfast)
Accommodations: 9 rooms in main lodge, 12 cottages and 5 cabins
Within 3 miles of the venue are Ash Cave, Old Man’s Cave and Cedar Falls, the Inn at Cedar Falls “is a great place for people who enjoy the outdoors,” says innkeeper Ellen Grinsfelder. It is also a good place to be pampered, as the inn features a full-service spa.

INDIANA
Stonebridge Inn & Spa
509 N. Walnut St.
Batesville, IN 47006
800-966-5914, 812-933-1000
www.stonebridgeinnandspa.com
143 miles from Columbus
Rates: $185-$225 per night (includes breakfast in the dining room, Tuscany breakfast room, or out on the veranda overlooking the front gardens).
Accommodations: 5 luxury suites offering a two-person whirlpool tub and fireplace
Although this inn is situated on 3.5 acres in the heart of Batesville, “there is so much greenery that it seems secluded,” says innkeeper Kathy Schuerman. The inn also features groomed gardens, an outdoor pool, volleyball court, croquet, horseshoes and a spa.

PENNSYLVANIA
Hartzell House Bed and Breakfast
728 Main St.
Addison, PA 15411
877-271-1709, 814-395-5248
www.hartzellhouse.com
225 miles from Columbus
Rates: $80-$105 per night (includes a gourmet breakfast made-to-order)
Accommodations: 3 rooms, featuring 400-thread-count sheets and memory foam toppers on all the beds
“The building, located in a quaint village in the mountains, is Carpenter Gothic Victorian, with 10-foot ceilings and lots of windows,” says innkeeper Kathryn Stemac. The inn is close to the ski slopes of Wisp and Seven Springs, the spa and golf at Nemacolin Woodlands and other activities. “It is a four-season area,” Stemac says.

Buhl Mansion Guesthouse and Spa
422 E. State St.
Sharon, PA 16146
866-345-BUHL, 724-346-3046
www.buhlmansion.com
183 miles from Columbus
Rates: $300-$450 per night (includes breakfast in the sunroom overlooking the garden or made-to-order room service)
Accommodations: 10 rooms, which each have a gas fireplace and private bathroom with Jacuzzi
This 1890s Romanesque castle, steeped in history, “operates kind of like a luxury hotel,” says innkeeper and general manager Laura Ackley. “We offer a turndown service, with roses on the bed, plush robes and slippers. It is very romantic.” There is a full service spa, in addition to 7.5 acres of gardens. Guests are also offered a complimentary limo to Tara, Buhl Mansion’s sister property, which features two restaurants. Donna and Jim Winner of the Tara and Buhl Mansion were recently awarded the Pennsylvania Tourism and Lodging Association’s 2007 Innkeeper of the Year.

KENTUCKY
Snug Hollow Farm B&B
790 McSwain Dr.
Irvine, KY 40336
606-723-4786
www.snughollow.com
241 miles from Columbus
Rates: $100-$185 per night (includes an all-vegetarian breakfast)
Accommodations: 3 bedrooms, each with a private bath
Snug Hollow Farm is a 150-year-old restored Chestnut log cabin on 300 acres, 20 miles east of Berea. “It is very remote and quiet,” says innkeeper Barbara Napier. “There are walkways, gardens, a pond – it is the true experience of country living.”

Inn At Woodhaven
401 S. Hubbards Lane
Louisville, KY 40207
502-895-1011
www.innatwoodhaven.com
203 miles from Columbus
Rates: $95-$225 per night (includes a full gourmet breakfast made with fresh local products)
Accommodations: 3 rooms, 5 suites. Main House Attic Suite has 1,200 square feet and two bedrooms. Private bath features two pedestal sinks, whirlpool and double steam shower.
This Victorian Inn is conveniently located near Louisville attractions. “It is a great place to relax,” says innkeeper Marsha Burton. “We offer extra amenities like complimentary cookies, after dinner liqueurs, coffee and tea, wireless Internet and high thread count sheets. There are also lots of porches with verandas where guests can sit and relax.”

Visit www.columbuscityscene.org for a chance to win a relaxing stay at one of these bed and breakfasts.

Trisha Barker is a contributing writer for Luxury Living.